Chapter 474 - Seventh Tale: Gnome's Cave (11)
Just as Wilson-san predicted, the escape hole was connected to the hall. Since the passage drew a large arc, it must be the outline of a leaf, just as the Horse Man said.
Where to start digging was a challenge, but it's best to start digging from a safe place. Just like that, we decided to keep digging through the western wall. After all, the [Gnome Detection Stick] had been pointing West from the beginning. We were deceived because there happened to be a passage to the West, but this time we'll proceed straight West using it in conjunction with the wooden fish.
After all, we have two digging experts, and including the beastmen, there are three people who use ultra-high-level earth magic. The work is progressing so well, we're digging further and further.
The Ghouls are at the front. Since they have night vision, they don't even need light. Since they dig holes regularly, they apparently know where it's likely to collapse, and occasionally they check the walls and ceiling, consult each other, and are taking detours when they judge it's dangerous. As a result, it doesn't become a straight line, but they're measuring the distance while checking the direction with the wooden fish, and seem to be successfully correcting and digging toward the target point. Occasionally, they consult with Eleanor-sama, who is making a map relying on foxfire. The translator is the Fox Man.
Henry-sama is using sword techniques to crush the dug-out rocks, and Wilson-san, who can use [Curve], is crushing them into even finer pieces. The Wolf Man is solidifying the mixture of dug-out soil and crushed rock... rather, it's already gravel... to make a support beam just in case. The Horse Man is acting as the transporter with a [Wind Barrier] plate, and the physically strong Boar Man is helping as an assistant for loading and unloading.
“What should we do?”
“Isn't it fine to just support? If you're going to be a hindrance, it's better not to interfere poorly.”
In contrast to the Deer Man who is sitting with good posture, the Wildcat Sister is lying down as if saying 'goro-nyan.'
The Deer Man, Wildcat Sister, and I, merged with Fiona, are doing nothing. We're just watching everyone's work.
Since I had too much time on my hands, I asked a question I've had for a while.
“Um, you all seem to be good at magic, but how do you learn it?”
Actually, I've asked Violet before. The answer at that time was that she realized she knew it, and after that, she practiced in actual combat.
“In my case, my parents taught me. A Deer's role is to recover everyone. I was told that if I didn't learn, I'd be kicked out of the settlement as useless, so I was desperate.”
That's scary.
Even though he's a Deer, he only has two short horns and no particular weapon to speak of. However, since he has exceptionally good eyes and ears and is fast, he apparently has performance specialized in escaping.
Practice was apparently done by helping his parents when someone got injured, sometimes while imitating them, and since it was while watching them in pain in front of him, it was quite mentally taxing. My condolences.
“I learned it while practicing hunting. I fought against prey my parents caught alive. First, I stop the opponent's movement with lightning, and after that, I do my best to defeat them. If I couldn't defeat them, I'd get no dinner, so I worked quite hard.”
It's the Wildcat Sister. Since she said 'I worked quite hard' with a 'fun' and a fist pump, she must have really worked hard. In any case, it's tough since they fight with dinner on the line.
“I heard humans learn at the temple?”
“Yes. That's right. So, until we actually learn, we don't know what kind of magic we can use, and not everyone necessarily learns. If anything, there are more people who don't learn.”
“Somehow, that's a waste.”
The Wildcat Sister says it's better to learn magic that can utilize one's characteristics. The Wildcat Sister is good at lightning magic, but it's apparently best for delivering a blow from a tree.
Do humans have conspicuous individual differences? Except for some special monsters, they seem to have almost no difference. In the end, humans are weak beings, and since individual differences aren't a big deal, they live in groups and try to overcome beings that surpass individuals with numbers. Same as mice. They compete with numbers. However, in the end, that survival strategy must have worked well as they developed and are now pressing others.
“You say that, but Bishop Jeanne. Looking at you, I think, 'As expected, a priest.'”
“Thank you.”
I was told something happy by the Horse Man. If I'm thought of as a priest even though I'm not wearing priest's clothes, it means my daily efforts and mindset have been rewarded.
“Henry-dono seems like a warrior, and Eleanor-dono seems like a mage. Humans have each of the characteristics we have for each race. There are those who excel in some parts, and there are general people who have a little of each. The fact that there are many general people in particular is surely a strength.”
General... ordinary, huh. I thought it was better to have many experts, but it's the first time I've heard that it's better to have many ordinary people. There's also that way of looking at it.
While we were having what could be called small talk lightheartedly, the passage excavation work seems to have reached a deadlock. Everyone stopped working and gathered at the tip of the newly dug passage.
“Jeanne, from here on, your power is needed.”
I was called by Eleanor-sama. Could it be that we've finally reached it?
When I rushed over, they said they couldn't dig anymore. There's no apparent wall. Although they dug a bit to the left and right from the dead end, it's bedrock that looks no different from the surroundings. But the opponent is Gnome. There must be some trick.
“Please try to see if you can erase it with [Light].”
We've reached it!
I had the Ghouls and beastmen step back, deployed [Magic Reflection] behind me, and illuminated with all my might. That said, since it's without the staff, it's a normal 'all my might.' Even so, since the light released backward also goes forward, it becomes quite an output.
It'll disappear... or so I thought, but there's no change...
“Eh?”
While illuminating, I looked back at Eleanor-sama, and she crossed her arms and shook her head left and right.
“As expected, it was no good.”
She seemed to have predicted it.
“Jeanne. Thank you. That's enough.”
Just what does this mean...
“Probably, it's Gnome's barrier. In other words, earth magic won't work. It's because we can't stand against it.”
Digging magic was completely shut down.
Must we use earth magic equal to or greater than Gnome's to break through?
“Both the direction and the [Gnome Detection Stick] are pointing ahead. Probably, this is the last obstacle. You could call it Gnome's magic defense. Henry slashed at it with his sword, but it didn't budge at all, so it seems to have sufficient hardness too.”
If it were just rock, it could be cut with Henry-sama's sword pressure. In other words, it's rock that's that hard... to be precise, it must be solidified.
“It can't be helped. Our magic control power is no match for it. Just in case, let's try digging up, down, left, and right around here to see if we can detour.”
“I believe in the mountain investigation, it collapsed when they dug around the wall. Isn't it dangerous?”
“I'm aware of that. We'll just have to try so that danger doesn't reach everyone.”
Eleanor-sama is helpless...
Eh? Wait a minute.
“Eleanor-sama, since we're at it, why don't we try [Megiddo Fire]?”
“Eh? It's Gnome's magic defense, you know.”
That might be so. But, the magic with the maximum power humans can counter with is currently [Megiddo Fire]. Besides, I don't think Gnome is seriously trying to keep us out.
“In such a narrow place... no, that's right. Let's try it. However, let's proceed cautiously.”
If we're going to do it, we must make sure to demonstrate its power to the maximum. We consulted thoroughly and confirmed each person's role many times.
Eleanor-sama also became motivated. Even if it's no good, let's let out a flashy one.
We were enthusiastic, but we lacked pieces. The fatigue of the digging group is also deep. We decided to return to the settlement once.
When we returned to the settlement, Salamander and Alex were drinking alcohol. A Dwarf and a fire spirit. They must be important guests for the beastmen too.
“Yo, Jeanne. Did you meet Gnome?”
“Brother, you shouldn't ask. Look, she's covered in mud.”
“I see. That's a shame. Well, you won't die even if you don't meet Gnome.”
The two drunks are laughing loudly.
“I think it's just one more push.”
Although it's a guess, I talk back because I'm frustrated.
“Hoho, you're doing well. But, the rematch is tomorrow. Sorry, but I have to leave soon. I'm praying for your success.”
“Is that so? That's a shame.”
“Oh, you're going to miss me? That's happy. As expected of Jeanne. That's right, it's not exactly a parting gift, but I'll dig a hot spring for you. Wash your body, get rid of your fatigue, and rest well tonight.”
“Ah, thank you!”
So kind!
Even though we summoned him on our own, from the first guidance to the hot spring, he really helped us this time.
“I got three barrels of top-quality Finis alcohol. Eleanor-san. Sorry, but could you send three barrels to my brothers in the mine?”
Hey, won't that be a contract violation?
Since Eleanor-sama said she'd send five barrels as a celebratory gift generously, I had the happy Salamander dig one hot spring. Being an expert, he found it immediately.
“I made the discharge amount small, but there's no worry of it drying up for a while. Also, you guys can use it too. Be grateful for the bond between Fire and Jeanne.”
Salamander, while still on my shoulder, waved his hand 'hira-hira' to the watching humans and beastmen and went home.
The Ghouls also seem to want to enter the hot spring, so for now, we had them line up rocks and pile up soil to make a women's bath and a men's bath, and we all entered.
It's a bit away from the settlement, but the Horse Man is here. Of course, there are Horse women too, so everyone can just come to soak in turns. Since we're at it, I taught the Fox Man about stone-baked baths so they can wash off their sweat in the stream flowing through the settlement even on days with bad weather.
“It's been a long time since I've been in a hot spring.”
The Wildcat Sister also seems to like hot springs.
She's soaking up to her shoulders and letting out an enchanted sigh.
“Oh? Bishop Jeanne, are you interested in a beastman's naked body?”
“Ah, yes. Somehow, I'm sorry.”
To be honest, I was interested in what it's like when they undress. It's because I thought it would be tough to dry if they were like Keira before her transformation.
“It's no different, right? From humans.”
It's the same. The only differences are the ears, tail, and hair color.
“In the legends, a long time ago, they were apparently closer to beasts, covered in hair all over their bodies and with animal-shaped faces.”
“Is that so?”
“It's just a story I heard. So I don't know the details.”
Hmm. I don't know how long ago it was, but there are mysterious things. I wonder if they're making themselves resemble humans.
“Jeanne. This is also a long time ago, but there were beastmen with the abilities of monkeys.”
It's Eleanor-sama, who is in with us.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Monkeys form troops. You could call it a society. There's one boss, and he leads the troop.”
“Like humans.”
“Currently, there are no monkey beastmen. Instead, humans increased before anyone knew it. As you can see from the Wildcat-san's story just now, there's a possibility that humans lost the individual abilities they originally possessed over a long history.”
“Um, surely...”
Could it be that monkey men and monkey women lost their power and became humans?
“There is someone who advocated such a theory. Beastmen and humans are that close.”
I was surprised. If that's the case, humans are also originally monsters.
Eh?
“Um, since both beastmen and humans were originally created by the Goddess, the materials are the same, right?”
Surely she didn't make them by mixing stone and soil.
“W-Well, that's right.”
Perhaps because the topic was too sudden, Eleanor-sama is surprised.
“Materials, huh...”
The Wildcat Sister was exasperated. Did I use the wrong word?
No.
“I-If the origin is the same, then coexistence and co-prosperity are definitely possible. Because we're the same.”
Even if there are differences in the abilities we were born with, in short, it's how you use them. Each should just share roles and do what they can. There are probably some exceptional geniuses, but most are similar.
In contrast to Eleanor-sama who laughed 'ufufu,' the Wildcat Sister became serious.
“Bishop Jeanne-sama. There was someone who said the same thing you just said. That was the Priestess. You were definitely guided here by the Priestess.”
She came over in the hot water and took my hand.
Whether there was guidance from the Ancient Priestess or not, when we returned to the village with our bodies warmed, the sulky prince was there.
I thought he wouldn't come anymore, but I was naive.
“Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, I have finally been able to meet you.”
While being wary of several young Boar and Bear men who were staring at him, he called out stoutly. Godwynn-sama was next to him, and three scouts were watching with spears as if guarding so that the beastmen wouldn't approach the prince.
Deciding to leave the prince's handling to the two who were approaching with 'ya-ya,' I go to the center of the settlement where Lyudmila is.
Just then, a bowl manipulated by the Horse Man flew in, so when I went to see, there were four beastmen with brownish-black hair and small ears. A parent and children must have come together. The one who seems to be the father is holding two large fish tied with rope. Trout, huh.
“Bishop Jeanne. Let me introduce them. They're Otters.”
“Nice to meet you. Bishop. Have this as a token of our acquaintance.”
Saying that, he gave me the fish.
“They're quite splendid. Thank you.”
When I said thanks, he said, 'Then, we're going to the hot spring,' and was about to leave simply.
“Please join the banquet after you return from the hot spring.”
“If we have time, we'll drop by.”
He just left.
“Bishop Jeanne. Don't mind him. Those guys are always like that.”
The Wolf Elder came over.
“No, I'm sure everyone has their own circumstances.”
I heard Otters can use water magic. If they can also use ice magic, they'll be a sufficient force.
“They can. However, it should have been only up to [Glaciate].”
That's enough.
“Um, I'd really like them to participate in tomorrow's exploration of the trial.”
“Hmm. Since they're eccentrics as you saw... I'll at least tell them, though.”
Well, I'll just think I'm lucky if they come.